Lexus UX Sport review: Quirky SUV is real cross over…

Lexus UX Sport review: Quirky SUV is real cross over into something new

So this was a collection of firsts for me. First Lexus driven, first hybrid, first 'compact' SUV and first time I've had to deal with a head-scratching 17 (count them) buttons on a steering wheel.

I like toys, but this is was next level, but dashboard-wise this Lexus is beautifully complicated.

One thing that isn't thankfully is the hybrid element. No trying to make a plug reach through a window here.

It works ever so simply. If you're travelling at low speeds then you're using the rechargeable electric element. Anything more and the engine kicks in.

I'm no boffin (no, really) but it struck me that it saves you fuel at low levels and looks suited to city driving (even though it's an SUV).

So not only are Lexus crashing the packed SUV market - but they've chose to do it with a hybrid.

Let's just say the luxury car brand don't do things by halves...

And you certainly need to be a little different when you're entering such a saturated market as this one.

I had the Lexus UX F Sport with Takumi Pack to give it the full name and although I was a little daunted by it in the start (it's not just the hybrid element, but THAT dashboard) I did rather like it.

With diesels increasingly frowned upon this new UX - X stands for cross-over don't you know... - seems to be spotting a gap in the market I didn't know existed.

And with the hybrid element it's the perfect SUV for the city - if there is such a contradiction in terms.

Housing an electric power system as well as an engine I was worried about space, but there's plenty of room for a decent-sized family and with the seats down there was a good amount of space in the back for larger loads.

I did find the driving position, er, interesting though.

During a rather long journey (London to North Wales and back again) and the amount of buttons to the ride-hand side I simply couldn't make it comfy and ended up with a pumped up bit of the seat protruding into my back.

As I've alluded to, the dashboard was an instrument of torture as well.

Instead of a touchscreen - or even a dial - it was tracking pad where you used your finger to try and aim towards where you want to go on the screen.

We had a difficult relationship as it darted towards the places I did not need it while I was trying to keep my eyes on the road, but we eventually had some sort of uneasy alliance.

And none of this takes away from the driving experience.

In urban areas you welcome the economy, on the motorway it's precise, responsive and grips well.

It also looks great.

This may be my first experience with a Lexus, but on this quirky showing, it won't be my last.